Welcome

Welcome to the POZ/AIDSmeds Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and
others concerned about HIV/AIDS. Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the
conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning: Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive
and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a
username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own
physician.

All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators
of these forums. Click here for “Am I Infected?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ/AIDSmeds community forums.

We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please
provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are
true and correct to their knowledge.

I hope everyone had a good Easter. I went to my best friend's mom's. Had a nice brunch. Today I'm supposed to take my cat to the vet; hopefully I can get her in the kitty carrier without getting scratched up. Other than that, homework of course. You all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Win- Thanks for starting a new thread. I am with you, I can't stand crowds either, definately not my idea of fun. Glad you and Billy had a nice day hanging out. That was nice of your son to come over and do some landscaping for you. How is the baby doing? Is she still staying with you?

BT- Sorry to hear about that price tag, I hope it fixes it for good. Good luck taking the cat to the vet, sounds dangerous, those claws hurt. I saw someone on Sat. driving a van with a cat riding on the dash board, I usually see little dogs, never cats.

Viv- I hope you have a good vacation, ours doesn't start until next week.

I am just hanging around trying to recouperate from the long weekend. Got to clean and make some calls.

I didn't take my cat to the vet yesterday; I rescheduled the appointment. It was grey and rainy all day yesterday, and today promises to do the same (and it's cold). Anyway, being that I didn't have to work yesterday, I wasn't going to go out in that kind of weather. So, I rescheduled for Friday. Otherwise, I cleaned the kitchen and did homework, (which of course there's more to do). I wish we would hear something from Tendai.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

My computer must seriously be messing up. I'm only getting 66 posts in the last thread. I've looked but I can't find the rest.

Sunday found me with such a bad migrain that I was nausiated and throwing up all night. Not exactly in the plans, but stuff happens. I wasn't a whole lot better yesterday. My head and lungs were clogged up making it hard to breathe. Hubby had school with the kids, fed them all, cleaned the house, and did some laundry. Then, he took them all to dance class and roller skating. I was home alone from 3:30 - near 10pm. I mostly drifted in and out of sleep. I was glad when they all came home.

I slept a wee bit better last night. Still had to do a breathing treatment at 3am and take more meds. I'm debating going to the doctor this morning. My Health Access STILL hasn't been approved. They are giving me the run around and it's making me crazy. I told Hubby that I've had enough and refuse to deal with them anymore - then I get sick again.

Betty: our weatherman keeps telling us to hang in there. If we can make it past Wednesday, then warmer temps and dryer weather is coming. He'd better be right. I'm sick and tired of the cold and wet. We make our trip back to Chillicothe tomorrow morning to see Mim's HIV-specialist. Big med changing day! Still haven't heard from our ex-Doc. I'm composing a letter to send to her and to the hospital administration. I'm debating wether to send it before or after Mim sees the eye specialist in May since it is Doc's husband.

Mum, Wendy started a new thread, so I locked the other one. I assume Wendy started a new thread because threads are now 49 replies long, instead of 99. It's easier when the posts are all on one page.

Betty, one of my cats is next to impossible to get into the carrier. It's kinda comical really, she reminds me of a cartoon cat the way she puts her paws out on the opening to the carrier and refuses to budge.

I got around her though. Now I pretend to just want to give her a cuddle, all the while I have a smallish blanket on my lap that I wrap her up in like a papoose and that enables me to just pop her into the carrier. It's over and done with before she knows what hit her. She's funny - once inside the carrier, she's tough to get back out and I usually have to tip it up and give it a shake.

I didn't do anything for Easter other than work on getting my garden into shape. I love spring!

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Betty- Not much longer and homework will be a thing of the past! What is wrong with your cat?

Mum-Your lung problem still seems to be lingering from last year when you have that infection. I'm glad you had an opportunity to rest.

Wendy- I just love all your artsty things. You are very creative!

So far I have just been enjoying sleeping in an hour later. I still have work to do but I haven't even attemepted to begin it. I have plenty of time, right? Nothing much happening. Vivian, my dog, has another ear infection...poor thing. She has a tendency to get them. I have to have her ears cleaned regullarly to head them off but I missded this one. I just hate the idea of her being in pain. Today I am supposed to see my ID doctor to get my new numbers but I may change it to tomorrow since it conflicts with my therapist. Other than that I don't have anything planned...LOVE IT!

Mum, I hope you're feeling better today. I would probably hold off on the letter. I know doc's aren't supposed to be discussing their patients, but if these people are married, I wouldn't trust the ex-doc. I'll be anxious to know what Min's new meds are going to be. Does she get results of any bloodwork today?

Ann, last time I took my cat to the vet, she ran out of the kitty carrier once we were there, only to find there was no way to escape the room she was in. My cat is a bit odd. She's always looking at the cieling, walls etc. like she's hearing something. Part of her unique kitty disorders I guess.

Andrea, my cat has something with her ears also. Last year, I thought she might have ear mites, but when I took her to the vet, the doc said she had a yeast infection (in her ears). She cleaned them and gave me some ointment to put in them, but the infection is back. I feel sorry for her. I don't like to see her in discomfort either, like you don't like with your dog. Anyway, I hope you have a good vacation.

They still haven't finished my car, as of last night. Hopefully they'll be done today. I'm getting sick of all the time this is taking. I think they must work on it for a bit, then work on something else, and go back to it later. Other than that, just work and my Anatomy class tonight. This job I have ends next Thursday. I hope I can find something. It's not a good situation right now for job hunting. Anyway, I hope you ladies have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Hi Ladies, hope you all had a great Easter. I have not been well all weekend. My dh took me to the doctor and they are makinig me have test on my gallbladder.I have been having stomach aches and overall sick feeling,nausea. I thought it was just gas. I can't eat any fried or spicy food, and I have med to coat my stomach. I also can't eat but a little each meal, I get full.I have to have a sonogram and in May I have to be put to sleep for them to put a scope down my throat to look into my stomach.I will be glad when the test are done. I may have gallstones, the doctor said.I thought they hurt,but the doctor said they don't always show symptoms in the early stages.My dh worries a lot about me and this gets on my nerves, because I am not use to having someone fuss over me, But I am gratefull to have a man that takes great care of me. I am so blessed to have him in my life, though he can be a pain in the ass, when it comes to my health. If it wasn't for him, I would not be on track with my meds, but he is a stickler when it comes to me taking my meds on time. I hope everyone is well and that we hear from Tendai soon. I did here about 2 weeks ago, in the news that the prime ministers grandson or son drowned.Snow - my sympathy goes out to you concerning your grandma, I just lost my brother, a few weeks ago.Mum -I hope you feel better, I useto have bad migrains also. Thank god I don't anymore.I hope all is well.Love and kisses to everyone !

Ann, LOL, I had to go back and see what I'd written to know what you were talking about. I couldn't remember. Note to self: don't post after not sleeping and dosed on meds. At least I didn't say anything too embarrassing.

Mims new meds are: TA-DA! Epzicom boosted with 3TC and Kaletra. she had a HLAB5701 blood test today that's supposed to tell us if she's likely to have a reaction from the Ziagen part of the Epzicom. We'll get the results in about 6 days. Dr. F sat there and thoroughly explained why he chose those meds over the other ones we discussed. His entire staff is SO attentative. He even gave her a roll of the paper that goes on the exam table so she'd have paper to color on.

I have to tell you a hillarious story that happened while we were there. Mim needed to go to the bathroom and left the room. Hubby followed close behind while I stayed and talked to the doctor. Now the bathrooms are about 5 doors down from where I was sitting. All of a sudden I hear, "I know you're out there! I'm talking to you (Hubby's full name)! Go back to the room. I can pee by myself, you know! Do you hear me out there (Hubby's full name)? I'm talking to you. I know you're still there. I can smell you!"

I DIED laughing! I thought the doctor was going to fall out of his chair. The nurse's station was right outsdie our door and we could hear them giggling. When Mim and Hubby came back to the room, we laughed so hard I had to go potty.

Haley has decided that she wants her Poppy all the time. She cant get enough of Billy. She thinks he is the best thing ever. She screams her head off when he leaves and clings to him when he comes home. She was doing that with me but now its his turn I guess. LOL

Mum, that is so funny! I love how kids are so free with what they think...sometimes!

I'm posting again but there isn't very much to talk about. I got my partial numbers back and I am a little concerned. They went down and I am not sure if that is normal. In August 2008 I was at 692 and Friday I was 578. My doctor didn't say anything but he never really does. Should I be concerned?

Andrea, don't be concerned over one set of numbers. You should look for a trend over about three blood draws. They could have gone down for any number of reasons-a little cold you had, stress, etc. CD4's blip a lot.

Wendy, I'm glad Haley loves Billy so much. I'm sure that's important to him as well.

Mum, that's a funny story. I'm glad Min is going on some new meds and that her doc's office is so good. It's about time.

Netta, sorry you're feeling so lousy. I had my gallbladder out years ago. But, I had extreme pain with mine, worse than labor. I don't remember feeling full, but everyone's different. Good luck with all those tests. And I'm glad your hubby is watching out for you.

Today marks the official one week countdown. It's surreal, I don't know what I'm going to do with no homework after next week.

I'm a bit upset. I ordered something from Bath and Body online, and according to the tracking information, the package was delivered. Well, I never got it. I guess that's a lesson learned not to order stuff online. It's the first time, though, I've ordered something online and never gotten it. It really pisses me off.

I got my car back. It's running good now (it damn well better). I was going to get a radio put in it, but with my bill, that's going to have to wait. The radio in it works, but it's a little fuzzy. And when I turn the car on, if the radio's turned up, it sounds like gunfire for a few minutes. The car has to be on for a minute in order for the radio to be clear. Anyway, other than that and work, nothing else going on. I hope you all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

tendai

hie everyone!just stopping to say hie. nothing going on with me. im feeling pretty weird about my life right now and i dont know what the problem is exactly. mostly im just hiding at home watching tv letting life pass me by. anyway i hope everyone's great, i'll catch up next week. have a great weekend all

HI everyone,hope all is well. I went to the gyn doctor yesterday to repeat my pap smear,which was bad a few months ago. At that time I went in for a coloscopy to look at my cells she saw nothing to be concerned about,in other words no cancerous cells.But yesterday after a quick exam, she is sending me to a cancer specialist who treats hiv+ women.!!! she said not to be alarmed, this does not mean I have cancer, but that having hiv can be tricky and he would do another coloscopy to make sure everything is ok. I am feeling weird, but not going to panic. I cannot tell dh cause he will flip and get no sleep. I will tell him after the new test results come back.Other than that nothing new, stomach still jacked up, and having some constipation.Min mom- Minn is so cute!glad you have a great doctor, and by the way how do you make yogart, I love it.tendai- so glad to hearfrom you ,we all were worried. Betty- glad your car is up and running.Love to all

Hey Ladies, just checking in. There's a lot to report. I am going to NY though the end of this months to visit, the guy I met from the Poz site. We have been talking every single day, mostly by phone but also through messenger. I have to admit that I am happy.

I am still DJing but now they are talking about switching my time to a little earlier than I am on and 4 days a week. Gotta dig in and go into a download frenzy...I am a bit tired so I am going to lay down for a few...

Sorry to hear about the pap smear Netta. My experience with seemingly endless biopsies and finally a cone biopsy was enough to make me want to never have trouble with dysplasia (abnormal skin cells) again. So I can sympathise. Hopefully its nothing. I've been fortunate enough not to have a recurrence in many years. The cone biospy wasn't so bad it was the needles in the cervix to numb it and the wire thru the cervix after it had healed that sent me through the roof.

Nothing much going on here. I am stuffed full of spaghetti. Billy made dinner for us.

I've been keeping up with reading, just not posting. I broke down and went to the doctor Thursday morning. I was getting better, just not able to get over the "hump". Well, after a chest x-ray, I was smacked with some shocking news. The doctor came back in and said that my lungs had irregular shaped "patches". She said that it looked like pneumonia, but it is shaped differently. They are treating it agressively with Biaxon, prednisone, phenegrin, dyflucan, and albuterol. Between the prednisone and phenegrin, I'm jumping out of my skin, my hands shake, and I have freaky codeine induced dreams. In 2 weeks, I go back for a repeat xray. If my lungs are clear, then it was pneumonia. If not, we'll have to discuss my options for more testing. With my past history of cancer, it's a bit unsettling.

This is my 3rd day on meds and I was hoping to feel better by now but I don't. My heart-rate goes up to about 184 to keep my O2 saturation at 97%. When my heart-rate goes down, my O2 goes down, too. That's why I get super hot when I cough. It also explains why when I do any physical activity, I lose my breath. My heart thinks I'm doing aerobic exercises and pumps more in an attempt to increase my oxygen level.

We got prelim numbers back from Dr. F yesterday. After trending down for the last 10 months (getting down to 630's), Mim's tcells rallied last month to a whopping 1383!! They have NEVER been this high, ever. And this before she's even started her new meds. Of course, her triglycerides were 286 . Can't win them all, I guess.

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Getting up to 71 today with lots of sun. It will be short-lived, however. By Monday, we're back to highs in the 50's

Mum, I'm glad to hear you're on medicine and I hope that it works. I hope your heart settles down. I hate it when my heart beats fast, which it does quite often because of my problems with my valves. Anyway, congrats on Min's new CD4 count! That's awesome! My triglycerides are always elevated. My doctor and a few other people told me it's because I'm diabetic, and I know Min is also. Hey, I feel ya on the weather. Today it's supposed to be 70, Monday it's supposed to be in the low 40's and snow. But, what can ya do. It'll be summer soon.

Today I have an NA thing. And plenty of homework. Not much else going on. My car had a couple more problems I had to get taken care of, by taking it back to the garage so they could correct their mistakes. I was pretty frustrated with them, lemme tell ya. Nothing else major going on. You all have a good weekend.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Hey Mum, you're an amazing woman - I really don't know how you cope sometimes. With any family, "it's always something", but in your family the "something" always seems to be health related! I'm so not happy with this latest turn of events with your lungs and having that cancer thing hanging over your head can't be fun. I'm thinking of you and remember...

Whichever way you throw me...

At least you've had good news recently with Mini's numbers. I'd bet anything that you're quite correct in your assessment over in the other forum - her CD4s have skyrocketed from the relief of having not a good, but a fantastically excellent doctor on her side!

Hello to everyone else too. It's a nice day here and I'm doing my best to get away from the computer to go do some gardening. I also have to nip into town to arrange for the delivery of a second-hand kitchen table and four chairs I bought from the local charity shop. It was a real bargain at £50 and something I've been keeping my eye out for for two years now, at an affordable price. Yay me! LOL

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

UUGGH! I am using my SO's computer, mine has shit the bed and his isn't working so well either, the cursor has a mind of its own and it logs me off whenever it wants.....so I will try to post again.

Mum- Sorry to hear about your health, I hope the meds help and get you cleared up. Mims numbers are great! That is such great news.

Netta- I hope things work out with your test. I hope you have someone that can go with you.

Queen- That is so exciting, I hope things work out with this new dude. Do we have a nickname yet? Do you get your music offline? Do you have to pay? The kids just got a mp3 and I have been trying to figure out the best way to get music.

Ten- Nice to hear from you, you are always in my thoughts.

BT- I hope they fixed your car free of charge, that is nuts.

Ann- YAAH! Glad you got a new deal, I am always checking out the local second hand stores for bargains. I read your latest blog and couldn't figure how to respond, but what a jerk, that guy was. I love how you handled him though.

The kids are on vacation this week and I am trying to get the house cleaned, laundry done, all the fun stuff.

Viv- I agree with BT, try not to worry too much about one time and I always try to weigh how I feel and not just what the numbers say.

I am trying to type quick before I get loggd off, sorry if I forgot anyone.

Netta- I had a very similar situation. I ended up having a cone biopsy and everything came out fine. My doctor said that because of the HIV I have to be carefull. I'm surprised your doc is sending you to the specialist without doing a biopsy first.

Queen- I am glad you are happy... Enjoy New York. I would like to go back some day. Let us know when you time slot changes. I so want to hear it!

Betty- Last week right?

Mum- Oh...I hope that medicine takes care of everything. It sucks to be sick. Mini's numbers are fantastic!

Tendai- Sounds like you just hit a hump in the road. I have definitely been there as I am sure the other ladies have too. Hang in there!

Wendy- So nice to have a man that cooks. That is my dream

Well, I won't be able to log on very often. My computer has some kind of virus that I got from Facebook! Something hijacked my friends profile and sent a message out to all of her contacts and several people have had major problems. I took my computer to Best Buy on Friday but they want $200 to fix it. They are so overpriced! I figured then I would call the guy who set up and fixed my wireless connection but he is on vacation until Monday... I have been using my dad's computer but that is not very convenient. So...if you don't see me for a while that is why.

I go back to work tomorrow which is a bummer as I was rather enjoying my little break.

Ann, hun, I'm not down and out yet. I figure everyday I read the paper and don't see my obituary is a good day. Thursday was a wee bit rough. I told Hubby that I feel like starting a bad habit or getting a new hair style - his choice. He decided a new hairstyle was the cheapest option. While cutting my hair, my dresser and i talked and cried. When she was done, I commented that my hair looked flat and plain. She put a glob of glue stuff in her hands and in mine and we went to town. When she turned me to the mirror, we both cracked up. The more I looked at it, the more we liked it. So, I kept it. Much better than a bad habit.

I was sleeping better until last night. I had a bad coughing fit at 2am that kept me up for awhile. (I can't take the Phenegren at night. It gives me a bad headache and freaky dreams.) There's a weather front coming in. I'm thinking that's what aggrivating things. I was expecting to feel better by now. Bit discouraging that I don't.

Oldest son had his 1st ball game today and Hubby made me stay home. It's sprinkling, I'm coughing, my lungs are full...but I REALLY wanted to go.

Andrea, not looking forward to starting school tomorrow, either. I don't feel like I got a vacation. We had school 2 days, all of which i was sick, then we had doc's appointments, ball practices, and dance.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. Getting cold here until thursday, if we're lucky. Then, it looks like a nice trend of warm, dry weather.

Ann, I don't know what the exchange rate is on the money thing, but I'm sure you got a good bargain. Good for you. We need to skype soon and catch up with each other. I'll be slowing way down after this week.

Andrea, I'm sorry your vacation is over. How much longer do you guys have before school's out for the summer? Wow, your computer's on the blink too. I hope it gets fixed soon.

Mum, please take care of yourself. What you're going through doesn't sound like any fun at all. When do you get rechecked? I know this sounds awful, but I'm hoping it's pneumonia, and that it clears. Did you say you've been allergy tested? Whatever happened with the health insurance you were trying to get? I'd love to see a picture of you with your new hairdo.

Yes all, this is it. The final week. It's surreal right now; it doesn't seem possible. And I really don't know what I'm going to do without having to study. Find something to keep busy I suppose. I'm going to be graduating cum laude also (total shock). It's the last week for my temporary part-time job as well. I'm going to take a couple weeks off, to get some stuff done around here that needs to be done (cleaning, other than the weekly stuff), and to relax for a few days. Then, I'll be job hunting. And hopefully successfully. Nothing much today, other than work and I'm going to try to get the laundry done. It's raining right now, and cold. It's supposed to snow today and tomorrow, then the next day be in the 50's. It's no wonder my sinuses are going crazy. You all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Betty, I'm hoping the same thing. I've been allergy tested and other than seasonal stuff, nothing showed up. Trying to get Health Access has been an on-going nightmare. For example, they refused to process my application because my medicaide application said that I was "ineligible" instead of "rejected". I had to go back to DHHR and get them to re-write the standard letter that they send to everyone changing the one word. We just got the packet back again asking for paperwork that's already in there. Hubby is working on a letter, I've had face-to-face meetings with the lady in charge, and we're still running in circles. Very aggrivating. I go back for follow-up x-rays in 2 - 3wks. Weather here is crazy, too, which doesn't help.

ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You could always come visit us on your free time. I'm sure you'd find plenty of issues for which we need counseling.

Back to school today. Oldest son has a constitutional history / vocabulary test today then he'll be finished with his history book. He's nearly done with his literature book, too. We've set our last day as May 15th. It's easier to keep going when the weather is bad. Definately no spring fever here.

I probably should have added this to my post, but for some reason, when my posts get a bit long, the typing field starts jumping up and down and I get motion sick. Anyway...

The fundraising committee (of which I am part) for AMG (Aids Meds Gathering) has designed a silicone bracelet. They are white with a red ribbon, the word HOPE (in red), then another red ribbon. We are selling them for $5 / each which includes shipping / handling. All the money made goes directly to help with AMG grants and lowering the costs for everyone attending.

I have no idea how to put a link in a post, but if you go to the Off Topic forum and click on "Bracelets for life" thread, there is a web link that will take you to the site where you can get your bracelets. We're hoping to get the first shipment out the first week of May.

Mum, I know, without doubt, that you're not down and out yet! Sorry if I gave that impression. I guess my attempt to cheer you failed miserably. I was trying to say that I know you're strong and will get through anything life throws at you. And stop checking the obits for your own name, silly woman! Hope you're feeling better.

Betty, the exchange rate is nearly equal now, last time I checked. The table and chairs are pine and very well put together. It should take a lot of punishment for years to come. The only trouble is, their delivery day where I live is always a Tuesday, and I just realised this morning I have to go to Liverpool for clinic tomorrow. The date on my appointment card looks like 27, but when I looked closer, I realised it was 21. Stupid me, I should have realised as my doc only does clinic on Tuesdays and the 27th is a Monday. I was lucky when I rang Patient Transfers that they were able to get me on a flight at such short notice.

[rant] I really don't want to go tomorrow. It's such a hassle and a long day. I have to get up at around 4:30am and I won't get back home until after 8pm. Mum, I know you go through the same thing (only mainly in a car!) and knowing someone else has this travel hassle makes it a little more tolerable. Don't get me wrong, the travel is worth it to get good care, but ... sometimes it just pisses me off. [/rant]

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Ann, goodness no you did NOT fail miserably! You did cheer me up - you always do I was letting you know that I haven't given up (yet?). It's a struggle, but nothing we haven't tackled before. It's been beaten 3 times before and if necessary, it'll be beaten again.

Thank you for posting the link. One day I'll learn how to work this machine.

Hello ladies, i had a busy weekend. I went to a wedding, and hosted a Sisterhood meeting at my house. The sisterhood is a group of women that raise awareness of aids and hiv in the community. We have been together since 1994 . We are having a block party in at one of the housing projects where drugs and gangs and young single women are.There will be a health fair, aids education and mobile testing unit,along with a clown and dj.I just got back active with the group after a few years. We have nurses, doctors on our board and anyone intersted in the cause.On another note, I don't know if my gyn doctors has all her faculties ! Why she isn't doing a cone biopsy on me I ddn't think to ask. I have had a total hysterectomy, so I don't understand how I can have an abnormal pap smear. I guess she is not exsperience with women with hiv. which is sad in this day and age!Mum- I hope you feel better.Betty- so proud of you, you can write your book now!!!!Every one else- have a blessed day !

no I didn't start the project. Our founder has since died. We use to have aids awareness balls around world aids day and it was a formal affair, with fashion show and dinner, I have alot of friends that havesince died that attended those balls. Also have a lot of good memories.

I hope everything is going well with you all. Things are just great over this way. I can't remember the last time I said something like that. Dennis, the poz guy is wonderful. We talk everyday, several times a day. We seem to have a lot in common and I am really liking him. He keeps a smile on my face and I do like him a lot. Oops, I said that already... I am still counting the days til I fly to NY to see him. Not to worry, I will be taking my cam with me so we will be taking pictures.

They have changed my hours for the radio. Starting tonight I will be on from midnight til 2 am. I play mainly r&b with a little bit of rap, old school and current. I like it a lot and it gives me something to do.So, if you want to listen, just go to iglobalradio.com. Once the page loads, you will see a picture of me saying DJ Sweet Angelique is LIVE then you click on the picture of speakers. Once you do that it should load a player or your windows media player. That's it.

Betty--I know you're glad that it is finally over. You can counsel me anytime....Netta--The block party sounds nice, I remember when we use to have those here back in the day...Mum--Sorry, you're still going through it with the coughing and stuff. Congrats on the new do too...

I am still looking for another PCP, I got rejected again, that makes 4 doctors but none of them gives the reason which is starting to bother me. There is one more that I am going to try, hopefully I can get in. I am still getting low on insulin. I am down to a box and a half and 2 pin needles but I have refills for that just not for the insulin. I have to get bloodwork done for my ID doc before I leave for NY so the results will be there on the 6th when I go to my appointment. I don't want to say I hope I am resistant but I really don't want to take Atripla anymore. And he seems to not want to change me.

And thank the freaking Goddess my cable will be back on once I get back. Time Warner is so damn fickle. First they told me I had to pay the past amount before service could be reinstalled. I called them last night and now I can get my service back on for 37 bucks and have a new payment plan. I don't know what difference two months make but I am glad. The digital converter box stuff is pure bullshit. I have one and can't get any stations. No matter how I move the box or rabbit ears, it just sucks so I have been spending my time talking to Dennis and doing things on the internet. Thank the Goddess for the internet.

I think that is about it. I haven't left anything out but I do need to blog so I am going to do that while I am in the mood.... Oh and by the way for the tokers out there, HAPPY 420!!!!!!!

I hope no one thinks I was trying to be a smart-ass in my previous post. I wasn't. Just clearing up a misunderstanding. I don't like to be credited with things I haven't done. Anyway....

Mum, I would bug the office that handles the insurance you're trying to get there day in and day out. Sometimes those places move extremely slow. You know, all the offices that do stuff like that (food stamps, medicaid) here in Indiana got privatized by our genius governor, and now there's always mix-up and confusion. Anyway, when do you go back to see the doctor?

Ann, I totally detest doing something that takes the whole frickin' day, and part of the night. I like to have some me-time during the day, or time to do other things. I hope they don't deliver your table and chairs while you're away. Glad you're getting good care, but, of course, it seems to come with a price. I'll be having a lot more free time after Thursday, so I'll try to catch you maybe the beginning of next week?

Netta, if I were you, I'd get a second opinion on that abnormal pap smear thing. My mum had a hysterectomy, and she never had to have pap smears. Of course, that could have been my mum's reasoning, I'm not really sure. But, I would get a 2nd opinion. And good for you for doing that outreach at the block party! It sounds like a really great cause. I hope there's good attendance.

Queen, I know you can't wait to go to NYC. I've never been there, but my brother went earlier this year, and loved it. I'm so happy you've found someone you like and who gives you the attention you deserve. I'm very rarely up until midnight (and I don't know what the time difference is between where I am and where you are), but if I am, I'll certainly check your dj'ing out. Can your ID doc order you more Insulin? It seems like he would. Just explain that you're looking for another primary care doc, and you have some meds that need refilling in the meantime. It's an important med, one that you really need. I would think he would do it.

Well, nothing exciting for today. I'm going to try to finish that online class and take the final exam sometime today after I get home from work and shopping. Then that will be done. If I ever went back to school again, I wouldn't take another online class; at least not a science or math class. Other than that, I have nothing else to report right now. You all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Betty, they told me to come back in 2 - 3 wks from my appointment last Thurs. If I'm feeling better, I'll wait the 3, if not, I'll go back in 2. I'm dreading getting the bills from all of this. Just my meds were nearly $90. Seems that just when we're starting to break even, something always happens. I shouldn't complain, though. We have a roof over our head, gas in our car, and food on our table. I know that's more than most in the world.

Our dance concert is coming up in in 2 1/2wks. Last night, I started practicing 2 songs in which I'll be playing the violin. Me and a friend came up with the idea, now we're having to listen to the music and write it. We're jamming barefoot with amped-up strings. Should be very intresting to say the least. I'll be dancing a 5 songs and playing 2. Mim, our middle daughter, and 2 of our sons will also be dancing. Hubby has a *small* part .

Queen, have a GREAT trip to NY. I haven't been since I was a girl. I'd love to take the kids. Go stand outside the Today show so we can see you

Netta, what state are you in? I know you've said, but I've forgotten. I still think that's a wonderful program to be involved with. Good luck with the block party.

Betty-- I don't know the time difference either where you are. But I understand that you have things to do and may not be up to listen to me. Yeah, I am happy with Dennis. He is so sweet. He calls me every morning when he gets up and leaves me a message on my answering machine. He knows I am not a morning person. Hell, I don't usually get up til around 11. As for my ID doc, he use to be my PCP a few years ago. And he knows the situation with me not having a PCP but he seems to refuse to write me a script for more insulin. I think he has his ass on his shoulders about what happened with my last PCP because they work together at his office. And prolly because I stopped my meds for those 2 months. Who knows???

Mum---Um don't you have to be up early for the Today show? I am going to take pics when I am there. I am so excited I could just spit....

It's been raining here the past few days which has been making me feel so tired. Where is the damn heat? I am ready to throw some shorts on already but I am waiting til the weather breaks and we get temps in the 70's. Nothing exciting to report so I'll check back in later...

Mum, I know medical stuff costs a bundle. Were I you, I would be calling that place you're trying to get insurance from every day and bugging the h*** out of them. What's the holdup? Anyway, how are you feeling now? How is Min doing? That concert sounds interesting. Is anyone taping it?

Queen, yeah, the Today show starts at 7:00 a.m., so I'm not holding my breath about seeing you on it. Anyway, whether or not your ID doc is pissed about what happened with the other doc, or about you going off your meds for a couple months, he should put your health first. What's the matter with him?

Two more days. Wow. And the online class is over. I took the final yesterday. Tonight is the final anatomy class. The exam is supposed to cover the eyes, ears, taste and the brain. That oughta keep me busy the whole 4 hours (my classes are from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.). And then tomorrow's class. I keep telling myself it's just about over, but I can't make myself believe it.

I really did not want to get up this morning. I wanted to go back to bed so bad. I thought "oh hell, I'll just go back to bed and call in later." But, I can't do that. I made a commitment, so I've got to stick to it. There's only one more day after today. Other than work and the class tonight, nothing else planned. I hope you all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Betty, wow! 2 more days and then you can breathe free. What an amazing process you've been through to get this far. But you made it and should be damned proud of yourself. I know I am. An exam from 6 - 10,huh? I'd be in trouble since my bedtime is at 8:30p .

We mailed the packet, again, yesterday. I've made copies of everything that we've sent along with the times / days we sent it and whatever changes we had to make.

I'm doing a bit better. After today, we're forecasted to have 6 days of warmer (high 70s) temps and dry weather. I hope it helps. I only did 2 breathing treatments yesterday, down from 6 or 7. I've got another week on meds, then another week after that before my follow-up.

Mim is doing good. Her echo is tomorrow morning but we won't get the results before the beginning of next week. She's having 2 cavities filled Monday morning which should be interesting. She has to be pre-dosed before the procedure, but I"ll make sure she has food in her stomach first.

I guess we'd better get going with school. School, laundry, and dusting. That's as exciting as it's going to get for me today. Have a great Wednesday!

Morning Folks...Been awhile since I have said that... I don't even know why I am up so early but I am so I decided to drop a post. Really nothing to report here either. Looks like it is still raining though it is suppose to be 72 tomorrow.

Betty-- I am so happy for you. You did it. You are an inspiration, girl!!!!

Mum--Glad you and Mini feel better.

P.s. I finally found a PCP. My appointment is scheduled for May 8th...

Mum, I hope the warmer weather helps your condition get under control. And what is Min getting echo'd?

Queen, thanks.

Well, I'm done. Totally done. I know tonight was supposed to be my last night, but last night the teacher who I had class with tonight was there, and he let me give him my paper last night, so I don't have to go back. I really cannot believe it. No more papers to write, no more tests to take, no more textbooks to read. Unbelievable. I told someone last night it won't seem real until I get the diploma in my hand. In my class last night, we had two seperate exams. One was on just the brain; the other one was on eyes, ears, and taste. I missed two on both of them, so I was happy with that. And today is my last day at the job I'm at also. The lady who's helping me find work is supposed to meet me there to help me with, something, I can't remember exactly what she said. A cover letter I know, but what else, who knows. I'm going to tell her I need help with a resume as well.

Other than that news, nothing else going on with me right now. You all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Congrats!!!!! BT. I am so happy and excited for you, you did a wonderful job. Good luck finding employment.

Mum- I hope you are still getting better. Did you ever find out what the smell was from Mini? You also got me wondering what you wash her hair with and if you put a leave in conditioner in it?

Well I finally told my son yesterday. It went suprisingly well, I just told him I have a disease and haven't gotten into the name of it yet. His therapist thought that I should tell him and my Dad soon about everything, so they can support each other. The only thing that really sucks, he knows I had started writing him a letter and he wants to read it, but my computer totally crashed. I had saved it on one of those stick things but haven't tried to see if I can open it up yet on my So's computer. One down, one to go.

Mim had her heart echo'd yesterday to see what grade murmur she has. The cardiologist will send the report to Dr. F sometime today. And, it is now official! NO MORE ZERIT!!!! Dr. F called and emailed us yesterday to let us know that her enzyme test came back negative, so we can start her Epzicom. 1/2 pill in the am and 1/2 pill at night for 3 days, then 1 full pill a day. Her Kaletra will stay twice /day. Her EEG is being rescheduled because the neurologist decided not to see patients on 5/4. Must be nice. I'll call her ENT and see if we can get it scheduled here. Still anxious to see about her siezures.

Snow, congrats on telling your son. He's 10, yes? Did you tell him about his father also, or just you? I know it wasn't easy. I'll put you and the kids on my prayer list.

I wash Mim's hair with Pantene for women of color (no kidding, that's the name). I tried Nature's Tree, but it left her hair aweful. Once a month, I put cholesterol in it for about an hour then wash it out. Every morning, I wet her her hair and put olive oil in it. Should I switch to a leave-in conditioner?

The smell has gone away, with some doing. She uses deoderant at least twice a day (and that's just if she's home) and shower to shower powder. The doctor said it was probably a combo of her meds coming out of her skin, and her changing hormones. She said that some people, when their hormones change, things smell different on them. IE, after my mom went through menopause, she couldn't wear her favorite perfume anymore because it smelled rotten and kept getting stronger and stronger. She said it could also be from super dry skin basically drying and dying. So, we've upped her from Coco butter to Corn Husker's lotion.

Here's to a wonderful weekend for you all! Stay cool if it's hot, warm if it's not, and make it the very best weekend ever!

Snow, thanks. And good for you for telling your son. But, you didn't tell him you have HIV? I'm not saying you should or shouldn't, just wondering. Everything is different with everybody, and not everything is right for everybody. Well, you made that step. Congrats.

Mum, I'm glad Min's off Zerit. I'll be anxious to know what her echo results are. The date of the graduation is May 9. So, I have a couple weeks until I get the official piece of paper.

Nothing exciting planned today. Just some cleaning and a little shopping. Next Friday I meet with the lady helping me find a job to get my resume and a cover letter together. Then, it'll be officially job hunting time. I hope I can find something. So many people trying.

Nothing much planned this weekend. I'm going to go to an NA speaker jam thing Saturday night, because a friend of mine is sharing her story, then Sunday I'm taking the grandkids (both of them) to see Monsters vs. Aliens, and out to eat. That's about as exciting as it gets here. You all have a good day.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Morning!BT- You are and will be such an inspiration when you go to your meetings and people find out what you have been through and where you are at. I definately wished we all lived closer so we could take you out for dinner. Since my son knows nothing about sex yet, I explained that people could get virus's or STD's the first night and then yesterday morning I was able to print off the letter which pretty much explained everything. He is such a sweetheart. He was having a problem reading some of the words so he wanted me to read it. I started crying when I was reading the part about having to drive myself to the hospital while I was in labor and he stopped me and said "Mom, its ok, we survived, its in the past" and then he gave me a hug.

Mum- That is good that the deoderant and powder is working. I am not sure about the olive oil, do you leave it in or wash it out every morning. Out of my 4 kids, only the 2 boys have the same texture hair and I really don't worry about them because my SO's gives me them cuts andl line ups. My daughter when I wash her hair every other day, I put in a hair mayonaise or olive oil and comb it through. It just makes it easier to get through her curls. Glad to hear Min is off the zerit! Yup, he is 10. I did tell him about his father too and last night, he told me that before his father went back to jail the last time, he was telling my son that it was me that had been mean to him, so needless to say he must of known shit was going to hit the fan. But then like idiot, he was telling him he still wanted to be with me, nothing like confusing the poor kid.

I am taking the kids tag saleing today, it should be nice out finally.Snow

I started crying when I was reading the part about having to drive myself to the hospital while I was in labor and he stopped me and said "Mom, its ok, we survived, its in the past" and then he gave me a hug.

Snow, what a sweet child you have! I bet you're very, very proud of him. I don't think you'll regret telling him. Kids are far more empathic and resiliant than we often give them credit for. I told my daughter not long after I was diagnosed and I've never once regretted it. For one thing, my being honest with her has enabled her to always be honest with me, even when it comes to sex and relationships. It definitely brought us closer. BTW, she was thirteen when I told her.

One thing I would suggest - once he understands the full story, take him along to one of your doctor appointments. I did with my daughter and it took a lot of the mystery out of it for her. My doctor spent nearly an hour with us, talking to her and explaining things to her. It was probably the best thing we could have done.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Hello ladies, Things have been going great here. Betty, so glad it is over for you and very proud of you. Minismum, glad about mini's new meds and that you all are doing better. Queen, very happy for you , enjoy your visit and hope you have a great time. Snow, your son sounds like a sweetheart. Anyway, just a quick checkin. Love you all and take care. Cristy

Wow Snow, that made me tear up. Kids really are tough, a lot tougher than we give them credit for. Your son is just a sweetheart. Btw, I told my daughter a bit after her father died. She was five. She didn't understand the whole thing, and the aids organization that was just starting out had some literature on telling children. Good for you.

Cristy, what's going on with you?

Hey Ann.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Yes, I am very proud of all my kids, especially the oldest. He has hugged more in the last 2 days than in the last 2 years.

We found some pretty good bargains today. My oldest and one of the smaller little boys have wanted thier own tools and toolboxes. We found 2 new toolboxes with some tools in each and I got some clamps and ties, all for $20 bucks.

Ann- That is a good suggestion. I wish I was seeing my old doc but I am sure my ID will talk to my son eventually. It is so nice to see you post in this thread. How do you like your new table.

cjc- Glad to hear things are going well.

BT- I have definately realized that my son is tougher than I thought in the last few days, I am so glad it is over.